IGCSE Biology glossary
Cloning
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
The process of producing genetically identical copies of an organism, cell or gene. In plants, cloning can occur naturally through asexual reproduction or artificially through tissue culture (using small pieces of plant tissue grown on nutrient agar with hormones).
What to include in an exam answer
Know that clones are genetically identical. Plant cloning by tissue culture: take a small piece of tissue, grow it on nutrient medium with hormones, it develops into a whole plant identical to the parent. This is faster than growing from seed.
Example in context
State one advantage and one disadvantage of cloning plants (2 marks): Advantage: all offspring have the same desirable characteristics as the parent. Disadvantage: there is no genetic variation, so all plants are equally susceptible to the same disease.
Related syllabus topic
Biotechnology & genetic modification